Ensuring the safe movement
of abnormal loads across Suffolk.
Abnormal loads are vehicles which exceed one or more of the
following:
- 18.75 metres long
- 2.9 metres wide
- 44 tonnes total weight
- an axle load of 11.5 tonnes
When hauliers wish to move abnormal loads they must notify the
local highway authority.
Trunk roads are managed by W S Atkins on behalf of
the
Highways
Agency. For all other roads hauliers must
notify Suffolk County Council of their intended routes and gain
consent:
- if weight exceeds 44,000 kilograms then two clear days
notification and an indemnity must be given to relevant highway
authorities for roads being used;
- if weight exceeds 80,000 kilograms then five clear days
notification and an indemnity must be given to relevant highway
authorities for roads being used.
The county council works closely with the
police
to carefully route the loads through the county, ensuring that the
highway structures and environment are protected and police escorts
attend when required.
Suffolk County Council must be notified if the vehicle is over
the height or weight limits, but the police need to be notified if
the vehicle is long or wide.
Notification must be made in writing.
The regulations regarding the movement of abnormal loads is
contained in the Government Statutory Instrument 2003 No. 1998 -
The Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order
2003.
For more information, contact the
Customer Service
Centre.